Engaged in Mission

On this discovery of a new journey, I am reminded of an aspect that seems to escape the practice or culture of many within the Church - that mission is something we are all to be engaged in. It is not the responsibility of a select few, often identified to being those who are employed by the church for specific tasks. 

The reminder is that all persons who are followers of Jesus, His disciples, are to be engaged in the mission of the church, disciple making. Our engagement is wherever we might spend our time.

For too long we have operated on the belief or practice that the ministry or mission is carried out within the confines of the church building. Thus we add programme after programme that might, in some way, attract and engage people. The goal is that from these programmes a person might go on to attend worship, and in hearing the Good News, they may respond to the message.

Rather, the mission field is where we are, within our home, workplace, school or within the groups which we belong - wherever we meet with other people.

The important task for the church is that we are preparing disciples to make a difference in the lives of others. Assisting them in their growth and development for the sake of the Kingdom of God. However, those of us in leadership, responsible for those who are followers of Jesus, assist this further by changing the existing culture of the church to understand the importance of mission in the everyday of life, placing emphasis on the mission we all have, talking it up, seeking understanding of the challenges people face and supporting them in prayer. 

Yes, within The Salvation Army we need more people to take up the calling of Officership. But, we also need to assist people to see they might be called to being an office worker, mechanic, medical assistant, social worker, doctor, etc. God needs people in all facets of life to be impacting others with His love and compassion - this is our mission, we need to be obedient to the call He places upon us.

Lord, let us hear your voice and be willing to respond, wherever, whenever, and however You desire.

How do you respond ...

There are many ways that we might show someone how much we appreciate them, how much they mean to us, how much we love them. I am sure you have heard the saying, actions speak louder than words. And that is particularly evident by the actions of Mary (the sister of Lazarus) in this encounter:

John 12:1-11 (New Living Translation)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

1 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

7 Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

9 When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11 for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.

So I pose the question again, how do you respond to the knowledge of who Jesus is? What action of yours brings honour to Him? In what way do you display your appreciation, your gratefulness, your love for Him, to Him?

Sadly, before the twelfth chapter of John is concluded, we have people who do not believe, or are willing to show their belief in Jesus for fear of reprisal, or fear of what others might think, or the repercussions they might face. It makes answering the question all the more important, and with a bit more consideration -

How do I respond to the knowledge of who Jesus is?

What are you trusting in ...

The scenario to date - Hezekiah is the King of Judah, Sennacherib is King of Assyria and in the process of invading Judah. King Sennacherib has a very mighty force, far greater in number and power than King Hezekiah and the people he is leading.

Have you experienced the "cocky" sort of attitude from people who think they have it all over you? Those who believe they have the superior and upper hand  over you? Well that is the thought that comes to mind for me when I read this next passage:

2 Kings 18:19-25 (New Living Translation)

Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

19 Then the Assyrian king’s chief of staff told them to give this message to Hezekiah:

“This is what the great king of Assyria says: What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? 20 Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me? 21 On Egypt? If you lean on Egypt, it will be like a reed that splinters beneath your weight and pierces your hand. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is completely unreliable!

22 “But perhaps you will say to me, ‘We are trusting in the Lord our God!’ But isn’t he the one who was insulted by Hezekiah? Didn’t Hezekiah tear down his shrines and altars and make everyone in Judah and Jerusalem worship only at the altar here in Jerusalem?

23 “I’ll tell you what! Strike a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you 2,000 horses if you can find that many men to ride on them! 24 With your tiny army, how can you think of challenging even the weakest contingent of my master’s troops, even with the help of Egypt’s chariots and charioteers? 25 What’s more, do you think we have invaded your land without the Lord’s direction? The Lord himself told us, ‘Attack this land and destroy it!’”

Ahhhh, that really rubs me up the wrong way. Anyway, that is not where our story ends. We venture over a couple of books to this passage which captures the response of King Hezekiah (now here is some encouragement):

2 Chronicles 32:6-8 (New Living Translation)

6 ... Then Hezekiah encouraged them by saying: 7 “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! 8 He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.

What a sensational leader! What a man of God! What a man of faith!

Things don't always go our way. We can face much opposition and the attack of people around us that appear to be much stronger, much greater than us. They might even be like the Assyrians who almost were rubbing the nose of Hezekiah and his people in it - "What, you think your God is going to save you? You think He is going to come to your aid? You think you have a hope? Ha!"

Well they did. And God did. And they did have a great hope.

Lord, I seek to have such a strong belief and faith in You to be my defence in time of opposition. My strength in any battle. My hope for the future. Help me to remain faithful and trusting in You through all things. Help me to stand firm on the promises You give me.